Terra Rossa

Terra Rossa is a warmly praised independent Italian restaurant on Upper Street in Islington, bringing the cuisine of Puglia -- the sun-drenched "heel of the boot" region of southern Italy -- to the heart of N1. Tripadvisor ranks it among the top 400 restaurants in London, and Time Out describes "a family-run Upper Street trattoria where dinner epitomises the cucina povera ('poor cooking') of the southern Italian region." Chef Annarita Inguscio leads a kitchen focused on authentic Puglian flavours and the slow-food philosophy of the Masseria life. The restaurant also has branches in the City of London.

Signature dishes include traditional orecchiette pasta with turnip tops (a Puglian classic), the Leccese pizza with scamorza cheese, and torta pasticciotto -- a famous Salento pastry filled with custard. Starters include fresh green olives, aubergine parmigiana and signature Apulian nibbles. The wine list centres on wines from Puglia and southern Italy. Gluten-free menu and substantial vegan options available. Family-friendly and dog-friendly. Open for lunch and dinner daily. Outdoor patio seating. Website: terrarossa-restaurant.co.uk.